REAFFIRMATION WITH EDITORIAL REVISION

July 2014

Process Industry Practices

Electrical

PIP ELSGS01
Design and Fabrication of
High-Resistance Grounding System
(600 Volts or Below)

PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major industrial
users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical requirements
into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering costs to both the
purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice is expected to
incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual applications may involve
requirements that will be appended to and take precedence over this Practice.
Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters or application of the
Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not be made solely on
information contained in these materials. The use of trade names from time to time should
not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather recognized as normal usage in the
trade. Other brands having the same specifications are equally correct and may be
substituted for those named. All Practices or guidelines are intended to be consistent with
applicable laws and regulations including OSHA requirements. To the extent these
Practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or other applicable laws or regulations,
such laws or regulations must be followed. Consult an appropriate professional before
applying or acting on any material contained in or suggested by the Practice.
This Practice is subject to revision at any time.
Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The University of Texas
at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin, Texas 78759. PIP Member Companies
and Subscribers may copy this Practice for their internal use. Changes or modifications of any
kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express written authorization of
PIP. Authorized Users may attach addenda or overlays to clearly indicate modifications or
exceptions to specific sections of PIP Practices. Authorized Users may provide their clients,
suppliers and contractors with copies of the Practice solely for Authorized Users purposes.
These purposes include but are not limited to the procurement process (e.g., as attachments to
requests for quotation/ purchase orders or requests for proposals/contracts) and preparation
and issue of design engineering deliverables for use on a specific project by Authorized
Users client. PIPs copyright notices must be clearly indicated and unequivocally
incorporated in documents where an Authorized User desires to provide any third party with
copies of the Practice.

PRINTING HISTORY
October 1995 Issued
July 2004

Complete Revision

Not printed with State funds

July
2009
July
2014

Complete Revision
Reaffirmation w/Editorial
Revision

REAFFIRMATION WITH EDITORIAL REVISION

July 2014

Process Industry Practices

Electrical

PIP ELSGS01
Design and Fabrication of
High-Resistance Grounding System
(600 Volts or Below)
Table of Contents
1. Introduction..................................2
1.1 Purpose............................................2
1.2 Scope...............................................2

2. References...................................2
2.1 Process Industry Practices...............2
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards.........2

3. Definitions....................................2
4. Requirements..............................2
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
4.14

General............................................2
Site Conditions.................................3
Enclosure.........................................3
Control System.................................4
Disconnect Switch............................5
Resistors..........................................5
Portable Ground Current Detector. . .6
Wiring...............................................6
Space Heaters.................................7
Painting............................................7
Nameplates......................................8
Manufacturers Identification (ID) Tag8
Testing..............................................9
Documentation.................................9

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4.15 Conflict Resolution.........................10

PIP ELSGS01
REAFFIRMATION WITH EDITORIAL REVISION
Design and Fabrication of High-Resistance Grounding System (600 Volts or Below)
July 2014

1.

Introduction
1.1

Purpose
This Practice provides requirements for fabrication of high-resistance grounding systems.

1.2

Scope
This Practice and the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, define minimum
requirements for design, fabrication, testing, and documentation of 600-volts class, threephase, high-resistance grounding systems installed in non-classified areas.

2.

References
Applicable parts of the following Practice and industry codes and standards shall be considered
an integral part of this Practice. The edition in effect on the date of contract award shall be used,
except as otherwise noted. Short titles will be used herein where appropriate.
2.1

Process Industry Practices (PIP)

PIP ELSGS01D - Data Sheet for Design and Fabrication of High-Resistance
Grounding System (600 Volts or Below)

2.2

Industry Codes and Standards

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE/ANSI)

IEEE 32 - IEEE Standard Requirements, Terminology, and Test Procedure for
Neutral Grounding Devices
IEEE/ANSI C37.20.1 - IEEE Standard for Metal-Enclosed Low-Voltage Power
Circuit Breaker Switchgear
NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code

3.

Definitions
owner: The party who owns the facility wherein the high-resistance grounding system will be used
purchaser: The party who awards the contract to the supplier. The purchaser may be the owner or
the owners authorized agent.
supplier: The party responsible for furnishing and/or installing the high-resistance grounding
system

4.

Requirements
4.1

General
4.1.1

Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, the
grounding system shall ground the power system using high-resistance grounding
principles so that the ground fault current is limited to an adjustable value of
approximately 1 to 5 10 amperes during a phase-to-ground fault condition.

PIP ELSGS01
REAFFIRMATION WITH EDITORIAL REVISION
Design and Fabrication of High-Resistance Grounding System (600 Volts or Below)
July 2014

4.1.2

Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers datasheet, PIP ELSGS01D, Tthe

grounding system shall be capable of producing a pulsing current into the ground
fault that can be traced to the fault with a multi-range portable clamp-on
ammeter. Pulsing current shall be at least 3 amperes more than the setting of the
ground fault current.

4.1.3

An adjustable time delay for ground fault alarm activation of approximately 0.2
to 2.0 seconds shall be provided to allow override of a momentary ground fault
alarm condition.

4.1.4

Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, the
grounding system shall continuously monitor the ground current in the electrical
system neutral and indicate ground fault by means of an overcurrent relay.

4.1.5

A resistor shall be provided to initiate a controlled fault on one phase if the

system test push button is pressed. This test resistor circuit shall be inhibited if a
system ground fault is indicated by the ground fault relay.

4.1.6

The grounding system shall have normally closed (open to alarm) contacts to
provide remote indication of ground fault and loss of control voltage conditions.

4.1.7

Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, a

120 V AC control power source from within the equipment shall be provided.

4.1.8

Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, the
grounding system shall be designed for operation on a 480-volt line-to-line (L-L)
system.

4.1.9

The grounding system shall be suitable for use on a wye or delta configuration as
specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D.

4.1.10 If a delta system configuration is specified, three (3) single-phase neutralderiving, dry-type 220C insulation, 80C rise, 120-volt secondary transformers
shall be provided.
4.1.11 Equipment shall be labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL).
4.2

4.3

Site Conditions
4.2.1

The grounding system shall operate at the altitude indicated on the purchasers
data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, without de-rating.

4.2.2

The grounding system shall be designed for the building code and seismic zone
indicated on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D.

4.2.3

Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, the
grounding system shall be capable of operating continuously at rated output in an
ambient temperature range of 32F (0C) to 104F (40C).

4.2.4

The grounding system shall operate over the entire temperature range at a relative
humidity of 5% to 95% non-condensing.

Enclosure
4.3.1

Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, the
grounding system shall be integrated into the switchgear.

4.3.2

When the grounding system is not integrated into the switchgear or motor control
center, the grounding system enclosure material shall be consistent with the

Process Industry Practices

Page 4 of 10

PIP ELSGS01
REAFFIRMATION WITH EDITORIAL REVISION
Design and Fabrication of High-Resistance Grounding System (600 Volts or Below)
July 2014

switchgear or motor control center enclosure, or as specified on the purchasers

data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D.
4.3.3

Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D,

enclosure type shall be NEMA 1.

4.3.4

Energized parts operated at or above 50 volts shall be guarded.

4.3.5

Each enclosure compartment shall have hinged access doors.

4.3.6

All grounding system components and connection points shall be visible and
shall be safely and easily accessible from the front of the enclosure.

4.3.7

Outdoor enclosures shall have hinged front panels with inner dead-front
construction. Metering and controls shall be accessible without the use of tools.

4.3.8

Grounding system components shall be mounted on suitable back plates on the

inside of the enclosure.

4.3.9

Enclosure ventilation openings shall have 1/8-inch mesh vermin-proof screens

made of 304 316 stainless steel. Screens shall be located on the inside of the
openings.

4.3.10 Bolts and nuts on removable panels shall be captive type.

4.3.11 Bolting and hardware shall be corrosion resistant.
4.3.12 All disconnect devices shall have a means for padlocking in the OFF position.
4.3.13 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D,
grounding systems not installed inside switchgear or motor control centers shall
have cable entry from the bottom.
4.4

Control System
4.4.1

Control system shall include the following components, unless included as part
of a digital control unit:
a. One (1) ammeter (0 to 10 A movement) to indicate ground current if a
ground occurs on the system. Ammeter shall have suitable range to indicate
maximum pulsing current.
b. Neutral current transformer
c. Test push-button to simulate a ground-fault condition
d. Reset push-button to reset the system
e. A red indicating light to indicate ground fault
f.

A green indicating light to indicate normal condition

g. A ground current test loop and a test current test loop in resistor wiring that
allow the use of a clamp on ammeter to measure ground current
h. A provision for selection of normal or pulse operation
i.

A holding relay with two additional normally open and two normally closed
contacts for use by the purchaser. Holding relay contacts shall be connected
to terminal blocks for purchaser connections.

PIP ELSGS01
REAFFIRMATION WITH EDITORIAL REVISION
Design and Fabrication of High-Resistance Grounding System (600 Volts or Below)
July 2014

j.

Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, a

switchgear class overcurrent relay in a drawout case with a minimum pickup
current of 0.5 amperes or less.

k. When specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, for systems
supplying power to adjustable speed drives, and without drive isolation
transformers, a filter to eliminate nuisance alarms if the detection and alarm
system is not inherently insensitive to carrier frequency and other harmonics.
l.

An undervoltage relay with two normally open and two normally closed
contacts for remote indication of loss of control power. The contacts shall be
connected to terminal blocks for purchasers connections.

m. A pulsing contactor set to produce approximately 40 current pulsations per minute.

n. A timer for the pulsing contactor.
o. A control power transformer with secondary fuses.
4.4.2
4.5

4.6

4.7

All indicating lights shall be replaceable high-brightness, single-element lightemitting diode (LED) lamps. A push to test function shall be provided for each light.

Disconnect Switch
4.5.1

The grounding system shall have a disconnect device for isolation of control power.

4.5.2

If specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, for a wye system, a
disconnect switch shall be provided for the neutral connection.

4.5.3

If specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, for a delta system, a
disconnect switch shall be provided for the neutral deriving transformer.

4.5.4

The disconnect device shall be prominently marked to warn that, if the device is
opened, the power system will be ungrounded.

Resistors
4.6.1

The grounding system shall have continuous rated, wire or edge wound resistors
of corrosion resistant material.

4.6.2

Resistors shall be rated to operate at 277-volts AC minimum.

4.6.3

For systems operating at 550 and 600 volts, resistors shall be rated at 350 volts
AC minimum.

4.6.4

Resistor assembly shall have a minimum of four adjustable taps or shall be

continuously adjustable.

4.6.5

Resistors shall be mounted on standoffs designed so that the surface temperature

of the surrounding enclosure does not increase more than 20C above ambient
temperature during fault conditions.

Portable Ground Current Detector

4.7.1

The grounding system shall be designed to function in conjunction with a

portable, clamp-on ground current detector.

4.7.2

Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, the
system shall be furnished with a portable ground current detector.

4.7.3

Portable ground current detector shall be provided with:

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PIP ELSGS01
REAFFIRMATION WITH EDITORIAL REVISION
Design and Fabrication of High-Resistance Grounding System (600 Volts or Below)
July 2014

a. A multi-range switch for accurate measurement of pulsing current

b. A large window that is suitable for conduits with a nominal diameter of up to
5 inches
c. A removable arm to facilitate use of the detector in limited spaces in which
conduits/cables are close together
d. A shorting switch to provide transient protection while detector is being
positioned around conductors
e. A closed magnetic field to minimize effects of stray fields
f.

An insulated handle for use on systems rated up to 4,160 volts nominal

g. A carrying case
4.8

Wiring
4.8.1

General
4.8.1.1 All wiring shall be stranded copper conductors.
4.8.1.2 Power and control wiring shall be #14 AWG minimum.
4.8.1.3 Wiring from transformer neutral to high resistance grounding system
shall be #8 AWG, copper minimum.
4.8.1.4 Current transformer (CT) wiring shall be #10 AWG conductor minimum.
4.8.1.5 Wiring insulation shall be rated for 600 volts and a conductor
temperature of 90C minimum.
4.8.1.6 A separate, properly labeled terminal strip shall be provided for
connection to remote devices.
4.8.1.7 Spare relay contacts shall be wired to terminal blocks.
4.8.1.8 Exposed wiring shall be neatly bundled, protected against contact with
sharp edges, and secured with wire ties. Adhesive-back wire supports
shall not be used to support wiring.
4.8.1.9 All wiring, except CT wiring, shall be terminated with seamless,
insulated, locking-fork type lugs.
4.8.1.10 CT circuit wiring shall be terminated with insulated, ring-type lugs.
4.8.1.11 Wiring to the resistor shall be rated for the operating temperature of the
resistor.

4.8.2

Terminal Blocks
4.8.2.1 Terminal blocks shall be front-accessible, rated for 600 volts, and
suitable for holding spade and ring-type lugs.
4.8.2.2 A maximum of two wires shall be connected at each side of each terminal.
4.8.2.3 All purchaser-connected wiring shall be connected on one side of the
terminal block provided for external connections.
4.8.2.4 Separate terminal blocks shall be provided for terminating the incoming
neutral connection, the outgoing connection to ground, and the connection
to an external source of 120-volt AC control power if required.

PIP ELSGS01
REAFFIRMATION WITH EDITORIAL REVISION
Design and Fabrication of High-Resistance Grounding System (600 Volts or Below)
July 2014

4.8.2.5 Each CT circuit shall be terminated in a properly identified shorting-type

terminal block.
4.8.2.6 A separate terminal strip shall be provided for all resistor taps that will
allow changing of taps from the front of the enclosure. The terminal strip
shall have markings that agree with a tap change nameplate. The engraved
tap change nameplate indicating the various tap connections and
appropriate terminal numbers shall be provided near the terminal strip.
4.8.3

Labeling
4.8.3.1 Each wire shall have permanent wire labels at both ends. Labels shall be
consistent with wiring diagrams. Adhesive-type wire labels are not acceptable.
4.8.3.2 Relays, fuse blocks, terminal blocks, and other auxiliary devices shall be
labeled with nameplates.

4.9

4.10

Space Heaters
4.9.1

All enclosures shall have space heaters.

4.9.2

Low dissipation space heaters (surface temperature of the heating element shall not
exceed 160C) shall be provided rated for 240 volts and operated at 120-volts AC.

4.9.3

Unless specified otherwise on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, space
heaters shall be controlled by either a humidistat or thermostat that shall be
adjustable between 15C (59F) and 30C (86F).

4.9.4

Space heaters shall be completely wired for connection to an external power source.

4.9.5

Space heater load shall be as specified on the purchasers data sheet,

PIP ELSGS01D, by the supplier.

4.9.6

Space heaters shall be provided with expanded metal cages to protect personnel
from contact with the hot surface.

4.9.7

Wiring to the space heater terminals shall be rated for the temperature of the heater.

Painting
4.10.1 External and internal steel surfaces of grounding system enclosure shall be painted.
4.10.2 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D,
exterior paint color shall be ANSI 61 light gray.
4.10.3 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D,
interior color shall be manufacturers standard.
4.10.4 The finish coat shall be free from craters, pinholes, holidays, embedded foreign
matter, and other visual defects.
4.10.5 The topcoat shall provide complete hiding, consistent coverage and thickness,
and uniform color.
4.10.6 For outdoor and indoor service in non-corrosive environments, the suppliers
standard surface preparation and coating system are acceptable if applied in
accordance with the coating manufacturers written instructions and if the finish
coat is for outdoor use.

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PIP ELSGS01
REAFFIRMATION WITH EDITORIAL REVISION
Design and Fabrication of High-Resistance Grounding System (600 Volts or Below)
July 2014

4.10.7 For service in corrosive environments, the painting and protective coatings shall
be in accordance with the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D.
4.10.8 A 1-pint (0.5-L) container of paint shall be provided for field touch-up.
4.11

Nameplates
4.11.1 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D,
nameplates shall be made of laminated plastic with black engraved lettering on
white background. Lettering shall be 1/4 inch high, minimum.
4.11.2 Nameplates shall be attached in accordance to the purchasers data sheet,
PIP ELSGS01D.
4.11.3 An instruction nameplate shall be on the front of the enclosure of the grounding
system with complete step-by-step instructions for normal operation, ground fault
detection, and test procedures. Instruction nameplate shall have engraved black
lettering on white background.
4.11.4 Each main component on the front of the enclosure shall have a nameplate that
indicates the name or function of the component.
4.11.5 Auxiliary equipment on the back or on the inside of the enclosure shall have
nameplates indicating the name of the device as indicated on the control
schematic drawing. The inside nameplates can be a permanent adhesive type.
4.11.6 If the grounding system has more than one source of external power, warning
nameplates indicating multiple sources of power shall be provided.

4.12

Manufacturers Identification (ID) Tag

4.12.1 An ID tag shall be provided, made of engraved stainless steel unless otherwise
specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D.
4.12.2 The tag shall list the Equipment No., Customers Purchase Order No., and
Project No. as specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D.
4.12.3 The ID tag shall also contain suppliers name, date, and location of manufacture, and
Manufacturers Shop Order number for complete identification of the equipment.

4.13

Testing
4.13.1 If specified on purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, manufacturers standard
tests, including a complete functional, operational, and point-to-point check of
the wiring, shall be performed.
4.13.2 If specified on purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, purchaser shall witness tests.
4.13.3 A certified test report shall be provided before shipment of the grounding system.
4.13.4 Dielectric tests shall be performed in accordance with ANSI/IEEE C37.20.1 and
IEEE 32.

4.14

Documentation
4.14.1 Drawings shall provide a space on the right-bottom corner for purchasers title block.
4.14.2 Schematic drawings shall include the following information as a minimum:
a. Complete schematic diagram with item numbers corresponding to bill of
materials.

PIP ELSGS01
REAFFIRMATION WITH EDITORIAL REVISION
Design and Fabrication of High-Resistance Grounding System (600 Volts or Below)
July 2014

b. Operation and contact arrangement of overcurrent and control relays.

c. All resistor taps for various ground fault currents and pulsating current
arrangement.
d. Cross-reference to bill of materials and other drawings.
4.14.3 Instructions for testing the power system to determine its normal capacitive
charging current shall be provided.
4.14.4 Drawings submitted for approval shall include factory default setting of taps.
4.14.5 Documentation of the type and quantity shown in Table 1 and the purchasers
data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, shall be provided.
4.14.6 One reproducible set of drawings and the specified number of copies of all
documentation and operating operation and maintenance manuals as indicated on
the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, shall be provided.
4.14.7 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers data sheet, PIP ELSGS01D, format
for reproducible drawings shall be CAD convertible .dxf electronic format.
Table 1: Documentation Requirements
A
With
Bid
X

B
For
Review

C
Final
Certified

D
As
Built

Detailed bill of material

General layout of equipment, showing all

dimensions, weights, location, and outline
drawings, showing the final assembled
configuration

Connection wiring diagrams for all electrical

equipment

Single-line, 3-line, and control schematic

diagrams

Certified test reports

X(1)(2)

Installation, operation, and maintenance

manuals. Complete set of drawings.
X

DESCRIPTION

Final as-built drawings

Recommended priced spare parts list

Notes:
A. These documents shall be furnished with proposal.
B. These documents shall be furnished for purchasers review and authorization to proceed
before fabrication.
C. These documents shall be furnished as part of the final certified document submittal.
(1) Equipment shall be shipped with one set of installation, operation, and maintenance manuals.
(2) Equipment shall be shipped with one complete set of drawings.
D. The finalCertified as-built documents shall be furnished within 2 weeks following shipment.
(Certified Documents shall match the equipment shipped.)

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PIP ELSGS01
REAFFIRMATION WITH EDITORIAL REVISION
Design and Fabrication of High-Resistance Grounding System (600 Volts or Below)
July 2014

4.15

Conflict Resolution
Any conflicts between the referenced documents shall be identified to the purchaser in
writing for resolution. In general, when resolving conflicts, the following order of
precedence shall apply:
a. One-line diagram
b. PIP ELSGS01D Data Sheet
c. This Practice, PIP ELSGS01
d. Referenced standards